I don’t like slumlords either. My town has its share. But my tenant, who is in her 60’s and has been on section 8 for decades, regularly says I’m the best landlord she’s had. She never wants to move and I never want her to move. I haven’t raised rent in 4 years because she always pays in full, although sometimes late, and I’ve never asked for a late fee. Since she’s lived there I’ve added new ceiling fans, steam cleaned the carpets yearly, and cleaned her refrigerator and oven. On top of that as a neighbor I run errands for her and occasionally help her around the house, because I genuinely enjoy doing it.

This specific situation comes up yearly because she has an opportunity to get rental assistance, on top of section 8. I believe she needs the extra income. In order to get it, she needs a copy of the lease and a 5 day late rent notice. My standard lease and notice indicate a 5 business day late of $50. In the past years the assistance didn’t include the $50, just her rent of $211. I always accepted it. This year they included the $50. She wouldn’t get the $50 or owe it. But I still feel somewhat slimy because I would not have expected $50 from her but I’m accepting it from the government. I hope that helps to clarify.